Travel friendly tools? What's your favorite?

[Eyegor]

With Leatherman releasing their new version of the Juice, it got me thinking about the not so friendly airports and other restricted environments. What is everyone's favorite "airline travel friendly' designs. Whether it is a one piece like a Shard, the new Juice, the Style PS, or whatever; I'm interested in your airborne companions.
Although they are not high end, I have a few different Swiss+Tech models that have traveled with me over the years. When I've needed them, they haven't failed me yet. Yes, I've lost a few to overzealous security but that is why I don't bring the higher end stuff onboard.

[captain spaulding]

I have carried a Style PS for years now and have traveled with it quite a bit. I have never once been stopped or even questioned about it.

I also like the Victoinow Jetsetter.

[Sazabi]

I never carry one any other time, but I like the Swiss+Tech ScrewzAll and MicroTech 4-in-1 or the Sears Craftsman 4-in-1 screwdriver. I've heard of people losing even their P-38 and P-51 can openers to the TSA.

[Old Boy]

I've fallen back to using the Shard after I lost my Pocket Wrench 2 to TSA. So far the Shard has survived even the most enthusiastic inspector.

[Aloha]

I've fallen back to using the Shard after I lost my Pocket Wrench 2 to TSA. So far the Shard has survived even the most enthusiastic inspector.

WOW the PW2 was confiscated?  Guess being metal and shiny is enough huh?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I don't take any tools with me on a plane for many reasons.  I pack them in my checked luggage if I want anything when I arrive, but I don't take chances with the TSA or their international equivalents.

First off, I am only going to be on a plane for a few hours at most, and if anything needs fixing in flight, I am probably not qualified to deal with it anyway.

Then, when it comes to the TSA (and equivalents) they have far too much power and not enough sense.  If an officer was to spot a tool and take offence to it there could be serious problems, especially if you were to try and correct him/her.  The next thing you know, you are "being belligerent and argumentative" in their report and you can never get on a plane again.  All because they have no idea what is legal, and they have delusions of grandeur with regards to their modicum of power.

I refuse to let someone else's small manhood dictate whether I can travel for the rest of my life.

Def

[vadsoom]

I hit the 4 million mile mark some time ago. In my 30+ years of travel, I've lost 9 multitools to airline agents. Back when it was ok to carry on, I never lost one. All nine lost tools were in checked bags. The latest ones to be "confiscated" were fastened (tied) into my luggage and were taken by airport employees both domestically and abroad. I still take  my chances because it's difficult to be without a multitool, but if I can pick one up easily (mostly inside the USA) I'll leave my tools at home an head for Walmart to pick something up as soon as I arrive at my destination.

For what it's worth, I've also had 11 butane soldering irons, various hand tools, an oscilloscope and high voltage probe be removed from my bags in transit. I've lost most of the respect I had for TSA and baggage handlers. It's really sick.

[Grant Lamontagne]

Agreed.  I never take anything I can't afford to lose.  It's annoying as all get out when something goes missing, but I'd rather that than try to talk my way past a TSA agent.

Discussions like this always remind me of the time in the late 60's when my grandfather brought a chainsaw as carry on luggage on a transatlantic flight because they were much cheaper here than in Scotland!

Def

[Small Shiny Objects]

I've carried my knifeless fuse for years on planes.  I bought it as soon as the regulations went into effect after 9/11.  I have been hassled, but have managed to hang on to it.

I had it engraved when I bought it with my name and phone number, so if one day one of you comes across it in a TSA auction, I'd like it back.

About six years ago I started the habit of opening up the tool before putting it through the x-ray machine, so the TSA agents dont have to do it themselves, when they undoubtedly pull it out for closer inspection.  9 out of 10 of them verbally thank me for having it open.  I also try to make eye contact with one of them before I place it in the bin and quickly tell them it has no blades before it even goes in the machine.  They always look closely at it anyway, but these two steps seem to help.

[ToolJoe]

I've flown with a p51, leatherman 6, craftsman 4 way screwdriver and nightize doohickey in my wallet no problem.

[Eyegor]

About six years ago I started the habit of opening up the tool before putting it through the x-ray machine, so the TSA agents dont have to do it themselves, when they undoubtedly pull it out for closer inspection.  9 out of 10 of them verbally thank me for having it open.  I also try to make eye contact with one of them before I place it in the bin and quickly tell them it has no blades before it even goes in the machine.  They always look closely at it anyway, but these two steps seem to help.

That is a great tip for dealing with security.  The few times I've lost a tool to security my response was immediately "Ok. Sorry. You can keep it." while heading onward. Don't argue. It isn't worth it, IMO.

[Marc_in_NS]

Agreed.  I never take anything I can't afford to lose.  It's annoying as all get out when something goes missing, but I'd rather that than try to talk my way past a TSA agent.

Discussions like this always remind me of the time in the late 60's when my grandfather brought a chainsaw as carry on luggage on a transatlantic flight because they were much cheaper here than in Scotland!

Def

I miss flying from Halifax to Montreal in uniform, seaman knife never far away, sitting in the back of the plane smoking and chatting up "staff"

[Grant Lamontagne]

Those days are long gone now!

Def

[surfdaworld]

LM Style PS for me. Have traveled internationally as well as many domestic flights, and rarely had any hassle.
I make a point of putting it out in plain view in the bin, with everything open on it.  Most TSA agents comment on how cool it is, the only oddness I've gotten was one agent who was convinced I was hiding a blade on it somewhere. He had 2 colleagues re-inspect it with him, then finally conceded defeat and gave it back.
If it ever gets confiscated, it's cheap enough that I won't lose any sleep over it. The convenience of having it with me is worth the risk of losing someday to an overzealous Barney Fife.

Just as a side note, a good friend of mine works for TSA. She said that many times when someone 'forgets' a multitool in their carry-on, they'll let the passenger carry the tool back out to the parking lot to break the blade off. Better to have a neutered tool than none at all, I reckon.

[ColoSwiss]

I have a hard sided toilet kit in the checked luggage for the razor, spare glasses, flashlight, etc. I bury the SAK in with those and haven't had a problem.

[Old Boy]

I've fallen back to using the Shard after I lost my Pocket Wrench 2 to TSA. So far the Shard has survived even the most enthusiastic inspector.

WOW the PW2 was confiscated?  Guess being metal and shiny is enough huh?

Yeah. But I should have known better. To be honest I would never need to use it on the plane. I just like carrying my edc stuff. Over the years I've gotten used to never depend on anyone for anything. I don't think I've ever asked anyone for a pen or knife, as an example.

[Grant Lamontagne]

I was trapped for a while in Chicago O'Hare airport in 2008 due to a bad storm and I found out the hard way that I had accidentally packed my phone charger in with my checked luggage, which was inaccessible as the airline had done me the courtesy of pre-losing my bag.  I had to buy another charger at one of the overpriced boutiques in the airport and it came in a clam pack, which was virtually impossible to open.  I asked if they had scissors at the store but they claimed that even they weren't allowed to have them.   

That would have been a nice time to have a tool with me, and I have often wished I had a nail file as well, but those are the only times I have ever felt like I needed a tool on a flight.

Def